Find out if you're on track to retire comfortably. Project your nest egg, see your monthly retirement income, and close any savings gap with personalized action steps.
👤 Your Retirement Profile
Include 401(k), IRA, and any other retirement savings
Most retirees need 70-80% of pre-retirement income. Include Social Security if applicable.
📋 2026 Contribution Limits
401(k) / 403(b)$23,500/yr
IRA / Roth IRA$7,000/yr
Catch-up (50+)+$7,500/yr 401k
HSA (self-only)$4,300/yr
🎯 Retirement Status
—
Years Until Retirement—
Projected Nest Egg—
Savings Needed (4% Rule)—
Monthly Income at Retirement—
📋 Your Retirement Action Plan
Enter your details to see a personalized action plan
📖 The 4% Withdrawal Rule
The 4% rule (Bengen Rule) states that if you withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one and adjust for inflation each year, your money should last at least 30 years. It's based on historical market data from 1926-1976.
Quick FIRE Number Formula
Annual Expenses × 25 = FIRE Number
Example: $60,000/yr expenses → $1,500,000 needed
⚠️ Note: Some financial planners now recommend a 3-3.5% withdrawal rate to account for current market valuations and longer life expectancies. Adjust based on your personal situation.
Retirement Account Types Explained
Choose the right account type to maximize your tax advantages and long-term returns.
🏦 Traditional 401(k)
Contributions are pre-tax, reducing your taxable income today. Withdrawals taxed as ordinary income in retirement. Best if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket at retirement. 2026 limit: $23,500.
🌱 Roth IRA
Contributions after-tax, but all growth and withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. Best for younger investors or those expecting higher future tax rates. 2026 limit: $7,000. Income limits apply.
💼 Roth 401(k)
Combines 401(k) limits with Roth tax-free growth. No income limits unlike Roth IRA. A powerful option if your employer offers it. Contributes after-tax but grows and withdraws tax-free.
🏥 HSA (Health Savings)
Triple tax advantage: deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. After 65, can be used for anything (taxed like traditional IRA). The best retirement account most people overlook.
❓ FAQ
Retirement Planning Questions
The standard guideline is 25x your annual expenses (the 4% rule). So if you need $60,000/year in retirement, you need $1.5 million saved. However, this varies based on your lifestyle, healthcare costs, Social Security income, and desired retirement age. A conservative target is 30x expenses.
The general guideline is 15% of gross income, including any employer match. If you're starting late, aim for 20-25%. At minimum, always contribute enough to capture your full employer 401(k) match — it's an immediate 50-100% return on investment. Fidelity's rule of thumb: have 1x salary saved by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60, 10x by 67.
You're not alone — most Americans are behind. Steps to catch up: (1) Maximize all tax-advantaged accounts, (2) Use catch-up contributions after age 50 (+$7,500/yr for 401k), (3) Delay retirement by a few years, (4) Reduce planned retirement spending, (5) Build passive income streams, (6) Optimize Social Security timing. Even small increases today make a significant long-term difference.
General rule: if you're in a low tax bracket now (under 24%), choose Roth — tax-free growth is extremely valuable. If you're in a high bracket now, traditional pre-tax savings reduce your current tax bill. Many experts recommend a mix of both for tax diversification in retirement. When in doubt, Roth IRA is often the better choice for those under 50.
Social Security can provide a meaningful income floor in retirement. The average benefit is ~$1,900/month (2026). Claiming at 62 reduces benefits by up to 30%. Waiting until 70 increases benefits by 8%/year past full retirement age. For most people, delaying Social Security is one of the best guaranteed "investments" available. Visit ssa.gov to see your projected benefits.